Howard E. St. John, age 62, of 22 S. 3rd Street, Gladstone, passed away Wednesday June 15, 2011 at Marquette General Hospital following complications from an automobile accident.
Howard was born March 15, 1949 in Escanaba to Joseph and Gwendolyn (Weaver) St. John. He was raised in Powers where he graduated in 1967 from Powers High School. Following graduation, Howard attended Northern Michigan University prior to serving in the U.S. Air Force.
Howard was united in marriage to the former Sandra Young on August 14, 1971 at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Howard worked for the Mead Paper Company for 36 years from 1971 until his retirement in 2007.
Howard enjoyed the Ham radio club (DCARS), loved building/flying his remote controlled airplanes with the club both here and in Lake Havasu City where he vacationed with Sandy and all their Havasu friends. He also enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Gladstone Golf Club. He was a wonderful husband, father and a devoted papa to his grandchildren and Bella. His nieces and nephews loved him, to them he was
Anonymous
Howard was one of my childhood heros. Howard’s smile stands out. I love and miss Sandy and the girls as well. Please know you are loved.
Brad Harrison
Memphis TN
Dear Sandy and Family,
Our family wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to you and your family for the passing of your beloved husband and father Howard.
I’ve known Howard for many years and it was a true honor to have him on my crew for the last several years prior to his retirement.
Howard was one of a kind, a true gentleman and overall great man that everyone loved. His wonderful smile and overpowering sense of humor were trademarks and who could ever forget that laugh. His mere presence brought a smile to everyone’s face.
We always knew what time it was because he would always eat a sandwich at 10 and 2. Bruce and David will never forget flipping quarters with Howard.
Howard could always put a smile on our faces and if we were a little down we’d have a “B-crew hug”. Howard may be gone but he will live in our hearts and minds forever. I’ll never forget you Howard.
God Bless you and your family.
Michael Sedenquist
Gladstone MI
So happy to have had some email conversations recently with you, my cousin. Wish we could have know each other better. Sending love and heartfelt sympathy to Sandy and all the family from California.
Cathy (Weaver) Collins
San Bruno CA
My sincerest condolences. Hard to believe that we won’t be talking to Howard on the air and sharing experiences. He will be very much missed. By anyone who knew him.
BIll Johnson (K9YEQ)
Fish Creek WI
Dear Sandy and family,
I had the pleasure of working with Howard at the mill. We also had the Powers connection as we both grew up there. We had many good conversations and especially good laughs. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.
June Kirschner
Escanaba MI
Howard was one of my best friends from my days at Mead. He’d stop by daily with his friendly banter and big smile. Couldn’t find a nicer guy. And we played basketball together numerous times at the Civic Center. I’ll never forget how he threw in a 35 ft. shot to win our one-on-one game. I couldn’t get a rematch with him because he wanted to always have that one-up on me. And he reminded everyone of it. Too funny. A truly good guy who will be missed by a lot of people.
Mark Miller
Escanaba MI
I dont know where to start except that Im SHOCKED!! Words dont begin to describe what i feel right now. I didnt expect to see Howard in the Obituary section at all im just still so stunned. My Prayers go out to the entire family of Howard Im very sorry to hear about the Loss of howard I was a friend of howard and i was in the Ham Radio club with Howard howard was lots of fun and a very loving and caring guy he will be missed tremendously!!!!!!! My Deepest Sympothy is with your family. Sincerely
Patrick Pierron- (KD8KKN) Ham Radio Operator
Gladstone MI
No more woo-hoo at our back door, no more sharing a coke and great conversations. No more beautiful smile coming up our walk. He taught us so much about living and what a friend is. Always caring and ready to help. How can we get our heart and head around this?! We thank God for sending him to us for the time we had, which we all took for granted. Who would have guessed that when we said goodbye it was for the last time? Loved him more than you can know.
Mar and Butch
Gladstone MI
Happy Fathers Day Howard.
You are a great person that will be missed for the rest of time. I never got to meet you in person, but had many conversations on the radio. I guess we will have to meet in the afterlife. I’m not in any hurry for it to happen. So get things ready out there for the rest of us.
Until we meet,
73
Clint
KC9NXB
Clint Resch
Mattoon WI
Your family has my sincerest sympathy on your passing Howard. It’s been a pleasure knowing you all these years. You were one nice guy.
73’3 to you from a fellow Ham.
Mark W8lsz
Rene Marcoe
Escanaba MI
With deepest sympathies…..I knew and worked with Howard while I was at Mead from 1981-2003. I will never ever forget his ever-present smile and friendly kind words to all.
Karin Van Dyke
Houghton MI
Howie was such a good and loyal friend to me and my family even though we saw little of him in the past years. The wonderful memories go back to high school. He was always asking me to golf at GSGC. Finally I came up last summer and I’m so happy for that memory. When I remember Howie, I’ll think of his passion for the things he enjoyed and how much fun he was to be around. We will miss his laughter. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Jeff & Cathy Land
Powers MI
Sandy, Allison and Jackie,
My heart is heavy hearing the new of your loss. He was truly loved by our family and we will miss him giving my dad a hard time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kathi Bosilovatz (Aicher)
Plainfield IL
may you find comfort in this difficult time for your family.
sue nelson malenfant
wells mi
My condolences to Sandy and family. Howard was such a great guy. I will never forget the time we helped our neighbors remove trees from their yards after the bad wind burst back in 1998. Plus working with him at Mead. He always had a smile on his face and a wise crack to make us all laugh.
My prayers go out to his family. God Bless
Jackie LaFond Mott
Orange Park FL
You will truly be missed my friend. Thank you for the memories.
Mark Marusik N9FE
Plover WI
Just sending you our sympathies. Remember if there is anything you need please remember us. Always in our thoughts & prayers.
The Troy Desotelle Family
Minnie & Troy Desotelle
Wausau WI
Howard helped introduce me to Ham Radio at a young age. I am forever grateful for this introduction that has led to a lifetime of personal and professional satisfaction. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Gregg Browngoetz, KL1RV
Homer AK
Dear Sandy,
My heart goes out for you and Jackie & Alley Oop. We had many good times. I believe Jehovah has something much better for us. Marilyn and I send our love.
Ed Clement (336-946-2462)
Ed and Marilyn Clement
Lewisville NC
We were so saddened to learn of your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Keith and Dianne Alto
Newberry MI
Dear Sandy and family,
I had the pleasure of working with Howard over the years at the mill. We had many good conversations and especially good laughs. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers. I wish I could be there for the funeral. Unfortunately, I am out of towm until late next week. May God’s blessings be with you all.
Marilyn Lauscher
Escanaba MI
Sandy I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and prayers,
Tina Rivard
Wells MI
Words can’t express how saddened we are to hear the news about Howard.
One of the highlights of all our trips back home to Gladstone over the years was the inevitable visit from Howie. Always smiling that guy.
It will be strange not seeing him at my parents house on our next visit.
We’ll miss him alot.
Chris & Lynda Aicher
Tigard OR
To the family of Howard St. John,
I didn’t know him personally but i know his daughter Allison. Knowing Allison he was a wonderful man. I send you my thoughts and prayers to you during this time of mourning. He will always be with you. Sending love to you all.
Kathy Villalobos
Wisconsin Rapids WI
Sandy, Jackie, Allison and family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your Husband, Father, and Papa Howard. May God give you comfort at this time of sorrow and please know that your friends are praying for you.
Love, Judy, Jim and Matthew Naczek
Judy Naczek
Hartford WI
I met Howard over 15 years ago at the R/C field. Since then he has become one of my greatest friends and was always there to lend a hand with the club or on the golf course. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Mark Flath
Escanaba MI
Sandy & family, so sorry for your loss. Howard was one of a kind. He was my boss at one time, a co-worker and most of all a friend. No matter how much razing I gave him, he always had a smile and laugh. I will miss him, his sense of humor and his chuckle. As you all have, I have a lot of good memories to cherish.
Chris Ernest
Escanaba MI
I never met Howard in person, but I knew him from amateur radio. He was always very nice to me and to all of us in the amateur radio community. I heard amateur radio operators talking about Howard on the radio last night and many of them couldn’t hold back the tears. That is a tremendous tribute to Howard. There is a huge void in the amateur radio community with Howard’s passing. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David D. Dake, KC8QZG
Newberry MI
Allison, I’m so sorry to hear that you Dad has passed away. This will be a sad Father’s Day for you this year. We are remembering you in our prayers. May God grant you peace and help you through the grieving process.
Nancy Kaulbach
Pewaukee WI
HOWARD WAS MY FRIEND ON RADIO FOR YEARS IT WILL BOTHER ME FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE I DID NOT GET TO SAY GOODBYE TO HIM..
Chris Parrett
Rapid River MI
Howard was one of the best. He will be greatly missed.
John and Kathy Stams
Rock MI
My memories are endless…he was the GREATEST Dad a daughter could have. Taken far too soon and is/will be missed more than words can express!
Jaclyn St.John Feller
Franklin WI